Chapter 88

After finishing their final exams and with graduation approaching, the students spent their remaining class hours either studying on their own or doing whatever they wanted.

Perhaps because of this, the grounds of the Prussian Academy were bustling with people enjoying walks despite the cold weather.

Chase and Judith were among those many people.

“The weather is getting colder so quickly.”

Judith tightened her coat collar and looked up at the sky.

Meanwhile, upon hearing her words, Chase began unbuttoning his coat as if he were about to take it off and give it to her.

Startled, Judith grabbed his wrist.

“No, it’s fine. I dressed warmly before coming out, so there’s no need for that.”

Chase looked down at his wrist, which she was holding, blushed, and then nodded quietly.

“…But let me know if you get cold.”

Like an innocent couple, the two were slowly growing closer. Judith glanced up at Chase.

Not long ago, he would say ridiculous things to startle her, and his rudeness had been such a headache. It felt like just yesterday.

How did he become such a gentleman?

Of course, this was merely Judith’s misunderstanding.

When she wasn’t around, Chase still dressed sloppily and lived without caring about anyone else’s opinion. She was the only one he tried to impress.

Unaware of this, Judith felt awkward under Chase’s steady gaze and changed the subject.

“By the way, I have something to tell you, Chase.”

“What is it?”

“Well, I met with Professor Karel yesterday for a consultation…”

Judith trailed off, trying to gauge Chase’s reaction. Fortunately, he looked clearly pleased.

“You’ve finally made up your mind?”

He nodded knowingly, as if this outcome was exactly what he expected.

“That’s a good decision. Honestly, I was hoping you’d take on that role.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, it suits you somehow.”

Hearing Chase’s unwavering support and trust warmed Judith’s heart.

But at the same time, she felt overwhelmed by the complex realities she would soon face.

When Judith gave a faint, bitter smile, Chase looked intently at her and spoke.

“Judith, you don’t think I’m lying, do you?”

“No, I know you’re genuinely cheering me on. I also know that what you said before wasn’t just empty words.”

“Then why the face? If I’m not mistaken, you don’t look too happy.”

“Well… it’s because you’ll have to go to the Cardandy family and persuade your parents.”

“Ah.”

Chase chuckled softly.

“Is that what you were worried about? Don’t worry, I’ll take care of that myself.”

Contrary to what Chase thought, Judith wasn’t worried about his ability to persuade his family.

If anything, she believed Chase would stand his ground and push his will through, even if it meant causing a scene.

And that was precisely what worried her.

Of course, she knew Chase wasn’t the type to act recklessly… but still.

There was no other way. To prevent such a situation, she would have to be there herself.

With her mind made up, Judith opened her mouth to speak.

“So, I was thinking… This is my issue too, isn’t it? Would it be possible for me to go with you to the Cardandy family and meet your parents?”

When Judith raised her head to meet his gaze, she saw Chase staring at her with his mouth slightly open, as if in shock.

After a moment of silence, he let out a sigh-like question.

“…What?”

He looked utterly flustered.

“I think I must’ve misheard you. Could you say that again?”

“…I said I want to meet your parents with you.”

Judith deliberately enunciated each word carefully. Chase inhaled sharply and quickly covered his mouth with the back of his hand.

As she watched the tips of his ears gradually turn red, Judith couldn’t help but feel that he might be misunderstanding her again.

She hurried to explain.

“Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just that I thought it might be hard for you to persuade your parents alone…”

“No, no, it’s not that.”

Finally lowering his hand, Chase revealed a wide smile. Unable to contain his joy, he continued speaking.

“It’s just… hearing you say that makes it feel real, like we’re really engaged and going to get married.”

“…”

“Ah, of course, I know I still have a lot to work on…”

Then, with a self-deprecating tone, he added with a frown.

It was then that Judith realized she had never explicitly confessed her feelings to him.

‘…I thought he would’ve figured it out from my actions.’

As Judith looked up at him with an awkward expression, Chase scratched the back of his neck and quickly replied.

“Alright, we’ll go together, just like you said. But…”

After hesitating, Chase cautiously continued.

“Are you okay with it? The atmosphere at my house might be uncomfortable. You’ll be meeting people for the first time, and they might not be very welcoming to you.”

After a moment of thought, he added.

“Of course, it’s not because of you… It’s just that I’m already an eyesore to my family. I’m worried they might take it out on you.”

Judith was surprised to hear that Chase thought this way.

“What are you talking about? Don’t put yourself down like that. Or is it that you’re embarrassed to take me with you—”

Before Judith could finish her sentence, Chase raised his hand to cover her mouth.

“Wait, Judith. How could I ever be embarrassed by you? You’re the one who helped me graduate, even when I was hopeless. If anything, my parents should be grateful to you.”

He protested vehemently, clearly flustered. Seeing him like this brought a smile back to Judith’s face.

In a brighter tone, Judith asked.

“Alright, so we’re going together, right?”

“Huh? Oh… yeah.”

Though the conversation had been hastily wrapped up, Chase nodded, still looking a bit bewildered.

At that moment, Judith mustered the courage to grab the sleeve of his coat and tugged gently.

“Chase, I have so many things to thank you for, including this.”

“I just did what anyone would do…”

Chase replied bashfully, as if it were no big deal. But Judith stopped walking and spoke clearly.

“It’s not something to take for granted. I owe you so much.”

When did Chase start acting so timid around me?

As she gazed at his face, she suddenly remembered that he had been watching her closely ever since the day he confessed.

The thought made her heart ache. He didn’t deserve to feel like he needed to tiptoe around her…

Determined to finally confess her true feelings, Judith hesitantly spoke.

“…Maybe that’s why I’ve come to like you so much.”

After finally finishing her long-delayed confession, she couldn’t bring herself to look him in the face.

Would he think I was fickle for changing my heart so easily?

Staring down at her toes, she waited in silence.

When the stillness dragged on, Judith nervously glanced up, only to find Chase standing there, dazed and unfocused.

“Chase?”

“…”

When he still didn’t respond, Judith shook his sleeve lightly, and he finally snapped out of it, meeting her gaze with wide, astonished eyes.

“Is it true?”

His voice, filled with both hesitation and hope, made it clear he was afraid he might have misheard.

Reassured by his positive reaction, Judith slowly nodded.

“Yes, at some point… I started liking you so much that I couldn’t even think of anyone else.”

She could see Chase’s gaze trembling as he looked at her.

He took a step closer, alternating his gaze between her hand, still holding his sleeve, and her face.

“Judith.”

Beneath his silver hair, his ruby-like eyes glimmered.

She could even feel his unsteady breathing.

Judith instinctively realized that Chase might kiss her any moment now.

Looking around hurriedly, she was relieved to see that the surrounding bushes provided enough cover to hide them from view.

Feeling reassured, Judith was about to close her eyes in agreement when—

“…Can I hug you?”

…Not a kiss?

Judith’s eyes flew open, and she saw Chase standing there with an innocent expression, waiting for her answer.

…Why does it feel like I was the only one with improper thoughts?

Feeling embarrassed by her own assumptions, Judith couldn’t respond right away. Seeing this, Chase looked at her with the pitiful expression of a scolded puppy.

He seemed worried that he had asked for too much.

In the end, Judith furrowed her brow slightly and reluctantly nodded. Delighted, Chase stepped closer and wrapped her in a tight hug.

Being much larger than her, Chase’s embrace completely enveloped Judith, leaving her buried against his chest.

It was, without a doubt, their first hug. But…

Although it didn’t feel bad, there was an inexplicable sense of disappointment that made Judith frown slightly.